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Recent government statistics reveal a notable decline in school suspensions and exclusions in England for the 2024/25 academic year, marking the first decrease since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data, released on Thursday, indicates that state schools recorded approximately 913,000 suspensions, a 4% reduction from the previous year. Additionally, permanent exclusions fell by 9%, totalling 9,900.
Trends Across Different School Types
The decline in suspension rates is primarily observed in secondary and special schools. However, the situation appears to be worsening in primary schools, where suspension incidents have increased. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the lasting challenges posed by the pandemic but expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of teachers, parents, and the government in addressing behavioural issues.
“After years of spiralling suspensions and permanent exclusions, there are clear signs that the combined efforts of schools, parents, and the government are working. We are determined to sustain this progress in addressing the behaviour crisis we inherited,” Phillipson stated.
Despite the recent decrease, suspension and exclusion rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. In fact, last year marked the peak of school suspensions, reaching the highest figures seen in nearly two decades.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Suspensions
A significant portion of suspensions—46%—involved students being sent home for a single day or less. Nevertheless, over 94,400 pupils experienced suspensions lasting more than a week during the last academic year. Schools are permitted to cite up to three reasons for each suspension or exclusion. The most prevalent cause remains persistent disruptive behaviour, accounting for 52% of all suspensions and 40% of permanent exclusions in the 2024/25 period. Other common reasons include verbal abuse or threatening behaviour towards adults and physical assaults against peers.
Secondary school students represent the majority of suspensions, making up 85% of all cases. Conversely, primary school suspensions have seen an alarming rise, with a total of 112,545 reported—an increase of 7,742 from the previous year.
Disparities in Suspension Rates
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are disproportionately affected, making up nearly 90% of permanent exclusions within primary schools. Additionally, pupils eligible for free school meals are four times more likely to be suspended compared to their peers who do not qualify. Gender disparities are also evident, with male students suspended at a rate 1.5 times higher than female students.
Research conducted by Impetus highlights the profound impact of suspensions on students’ futures, revealing that those suspended during secondary education are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET) by the time they reach 24 compared to their peers.
Calls for Support and Reform
While the overall decline in suspension rates is welcomed, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), emphasised that schools cannot tackle these challenges in isolation. He advocates for a sustained effort to address underlying issues contributing to poor behaviour, including poverty and mental health challenges.
“Schools are not equipped to handle this alone. A significant investment in social care and mental health services is essential to support pupils outside the classroom,” Whiteman stated.
Cara Cinnamon, chief impact officer at Mission 44, a charity founded by racing driver Lewis Hamilton, also raised concerns about the high rate of exclusions. She noted that permanent exclusion should be a last resort, and called for early intervention to address students’ needs before they escalate into exclusion.
Cinnamon further urged the government to implement new guidance for schools to enhance student engagement and promote a more diverse teaching workforce, along with additional mentorship for at-risk pupils.
The government has signalled its intention to reform suspension policies, exploring options that would allow students to remain on-site rather than being sent home immediately.
Why it Matters
The recent decline in school suspensions is a hopeful sign of progress in addressing behavioural issues within England’s education system. However, the persistent disparities and challenges faced by vulnerable student groups highlight the need for comprehensive support and reform. By tackling the root causes of disruptive behaviour and ensuring that all students have access to necessary resources, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that promotes learning and growth for every pupil.
